I was born and raised in Iran, Tehran, in 1979. My parents had always valued and included art in their lifestyles. This may have been an underlying influence to me; however, my serious interest in art started in middle school when I first began sketching.

Throughout my teens, I continued to evolve as a sketch artist. It was during this period that I developed an interest in abstract and imaginative drawings; where I learned how to bring my imagination onto paper. I also spent time sculpting pottery and similar arts to train my imagination and enrich my abstract ideas.

I studied Graphic Design at Azad University, Tehran and was then able to gain experience by working for one of the leading design agencies in Iran before moving to the States. After moving to the U.S., I attended Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where I earned an M.F.A. in Illustration and an M.A. in Illustration Design. For me the exposure to a different culture sparked different ways of thinking and a newfound desire to try a new medium of artistic expression.

I see no distinction between graphic design, illustration and art in any form. The play between negative and positive spaces creates tension and is an integral part in much of my figurative work. I’m a true minimalist in both life and art; I enjoy creating various collages, as it’s a form of recycling. My primary influences and favorite artists throughout my life are, Egon Schiele and Gustav Klimt, Paul Rand, Robert Rauschenberg and Daniel Egneus.